Activation of Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS3) by Mechanical Activity Alters Contractile Activity in a Ca2+-Independent Manner in Cardiac Myocytes: Role of Troponin I Phosphorylation

Cardiac myocytes express the calcium-responsive nitric oxide synthase (eNOS or NOS3). Activation of NOS3 by increased intracellular Ca2+concentration, [Ca2+]i, has been demonstrated to decrease myocyte contractile responsiveness, although this appears to occur in a Ca2+-independent manner. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the possibility that contractile activity could be modulated by an NO-mediated alteration in the...